Jazz Empowers Partner Schools Shine at 31st Annual Essentially Ellington Competition in New York City
Schools participating in the Jazz Empowers Grand Director Support Program continued to make an impact on the national stage this spring as the Susan E. Wagner High School Jazz Band from Staten Island, New York, and the Alexander Hamilton High School Jazz Band from Los Angeles, California, performed at the 31st Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Held May 1–2 at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Essentially Ellington is widely regarded as the premier high school jazz competition in the world. Each year, top jazz programs from across the country submit auditions for the opportunity to perform in New York City, participate in masterclasses with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra members, and compete alongside the nation’s best student ensembles.
Both Susan E. Wagner High School and Alexander Hamilton High School were selected as two of the top 20 high school jazz bands in the country — an incredible achievement that reflects the dedication, artistry, and hard work of their students and directors.
Throughout the weekend, both bands delivered spectacular performances and represented their communities with excellence on one of the biggest stages in jazz education.
Susan E. Wagner High School, directed by Paul Corn, also earned Honorable Mention recognition during the final awards ceremony.
Awards & Honors
Susan E. Wagner High School
Selected as one of the top 20 high school jazz bands in the nation to compete at the 31st Annual Essentially Ellington Competition & Festival
Earned Honorable Mention at Essentially Ellington
Received Outstanding Rhythm Section
Received Outstanding Reed Section
Nicollette Solis earned Outstanding Baritone Saxophone
Olivia Hernandez earned Outstanding Trumpet
Corrado Scapino earned Honorable Mention Trumpet
Riley Greenfield earned Outstanding Bass
Alexander Hamilton High School
Selected as one of the top 20 high school jazz bands in the nation to compete at the 31st Annual Essentially Ellington Competition & Festival
Received Outstanding Saxophone Section
Received Honorable Mention Trumpet Section
Daniel Flores earned Outstanding Clarinet
Ruby Simon earned Outstanding Baritone Saxophone
Noah Steinman earned Outstanding Drums
Saxon Johnson earned Honorable Mention Trumpet
The Essentially Ellington experience extends far beyond competition. Students spent the weekend immersed in rehearsals, educational workshops, jam sessions, and performances while building friendships and musical connections with peers from across the country.
Jazz Empowers is proud to support schools like Susan E. Wagner High School and Alexander Hamilton High School through the Grand Director Support Program and celebrate the incredible educators and students who continue to advance jazz education in their communities.